Khelafat Majlis on law, order concern
Khelafat Majlis has expressed deep concern over what it described as the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, citing a rise in murders, drug abuse, juvenile gang activities, mugging and other crimes.
Party leaders made the remarks at a meeting of the Central Executive Council of Khelafat Majlis held at its office in Paltan, Dhaka, around 7:00pm on Wednesday.
The leaders said the prices of essential commodities have continued to rise, while allegations of irregularities and extortion in the leasing of sacrificial animal markets have surfaced in different parts of the country.
They also criticised the role of law enforcement agencies, saying their activities in tackling crimes and extortion have been disappointing.
Expressing frustration over recent border killings, the party leaders said three Bangladeshi citizens were killed along the Brahmanbaria and Lalmonirhat borders in the past week, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to summon the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka.
They demanded that the government take immediate and effective diplomatic steps in this regard.
The leaders alleged that the Indian Border Security Force has repeatedly violated international law and human rights by shooting Bangladeshi citizens along the border. They also condemned what they called India’s “hegemonic behaviour” and rights violations.
At the meeting, Khelafat Majlis also urged the government to complete the construction and repair of sustainable embankments, canal excavation and renovation work in flood-hit areas, including Feni, Sylhet and Rangpur, within the current season.
The party further called for effective steps to implement the government’s master plan for constructing barrages on the Padma and Teesta rivers.
The leaders also demanded constitutional reforms in light of the referendum verdict, saying the government must remain sincere in fulfilling the aspirations created through the July mass uprising.
They urged the authorities to increase manpower in tribunals and courts to speed up investigations and trials related to killings, including the July mass killings.
The party also called for stronger efforts to bring back Sheikh Hasina and other convicted fugitives to the country and execute court verdicts.
The meeting was presided over by Khelafat Majlis Amir Mawlana Abdul Basit Azad and conducted by Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader.
Among others, Naibe Amir Mawlana Ahmad Ali Kasemi, Joint Secretary General Advocate Jahangir Hossain, Muhammad Muntasir Ali, Dr Mustafizur Rahman Faisal, Professor Abdul Jalil, Organisational Secretary Professor Kazi Minhajul Alam, Publicity Secretary Engineer Abdul Hafiz Khosru and Advocate Rafiqul Islam were present.
